Courses
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot in class, as we do cap our class size. Regardless of prior experience, everyone starts with Level 1 Improv. All classes are three hours long, and meet once a week for seven weeks, unless otherwise noted. All classes are held at the Dallas Comedy House Training Center, located at 2647 Commerce Street, unless otherwise noted on the registration page.
All improv courses culminate in a showcase for friends and family.
Graduation from each class level is dependent upon performance, attendance (must attend 6 of the 7 classes) and attendance at two long form improv shows during each class term. (Students are given a student ID card which gains the free access to shows).
Level 1: Introduction to Improv (7 weeks)
This level introduces the fundamental skills and vocabulary of long form improvisation. We believe that students best learn by experience and by example. Therefore, we begin playing on stage on day one of classes and encourage you to attend performances of long form troupes. Learn what we mean when we say “if we treat each other like rock stars or geniuses on stage, that’s what we’ll be.” Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Zero experience required REGISTER NOW
Level 2: Improv Devices (7 weeks)
Once you are familiar with the basics of improv we focus on developing your personal strengths. We explore character, dynamics, and status to help you identify your role in each scene. We take a closer look at what happens at the top of a scene and how it can guide your choices. This level helps to build your confidence and skills to work within an ensemble.
Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv REGISTER NOW
Level 3: Patterns (7 weeks)
This class works on helping you identify patterns and use devises to find possible directions based off of the information at the very top of the scene. We teach you how to find, explore and play through the patterns and games of your scene.
Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 2 Improv REGISTER NOW
Level 4: Group Mind (7 weeks)
Students will learn the idea of the group mind and put it into practice. They’ll learn how being vulnerable and physical together as well as supporting unconditionally will strengthen the cohesiveness of the group.
Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 3 Improv REGISTER NOW
Level 5: Performance Level (7 weeks)
Understanding the dynamics of an ensemble is vital to doing great improv. The focus of this class is to identify and use the strengths of the ensemble and work together to discover your organic, unified voice. At the end of this class, your group will perform a run of shows on the DCH stage, and will be considered for further show opportunities after your run is complete. Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 4 Improv REGISTER NOW
Level 1 Teen Improv (7 weeks)
This level introduces the fundamental skills and vocabulary of long form improvisation. We believe that students best learn by experience and by example. Therefore, we begin playing on stage on day one of classes and encourage you to attend performances of long form troupes. Learn what we mean when we say “if we treat each other like rock stars or geniuses on stage, that’s what we’ll be.” Students must be 15-17 years of age to register for this course. A parent or guardian will be required to fill out the student information sheet once the student is registered. Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: None REGISTER NOW
Intro to Comedy Writing (7 weeks)
In the Intro to Writing course, students will learn to incorporate the fundamentals taught in Level 1 Improv to create original written material. Monologues, original characters, and short scenes will be created as a group, with partners, and on an individual basis. Please note that weekly outside writing assignements are due each week and are part of the curriculum.
Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv REGISTER NOW
Level 1 Production (7 weeks)
In this Intro to Production Course, we will learn the basics of using a camera and computer software to shoot and edit material. You will learn how various filming techniques combined with selected software programs will enhance your product. While a personal laptop is not required, it is beneficial to bring to class each week. DCH uses a Mac computer with Final Cut editing software during the class, however these items are not a requirement for Level 1 Production.
Cost: $220 Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv REGISTER NOW
Puppet Workshop (4 weeks) This workshop will explore the possibilities of playing with Puppets — from the basics of breathing and manipulation, to eventually working with hand puppets, this four week course is designed to discover what puppet improv is and could be. Through exercises and practice we’ll go from the mechanics of puppetry to comfortably improvising with puppets. This workshop will expand whatever puppet perceptions you have, and as an improvisor, help you with communication, characters, and an increased sense of zaniness. Let’s play!
Week 1 — Intro to Puppets/Basic breathing and movement
Week 2 — Talking with your Hand
Week 3 — Working with Hand Puppets
Week 4 — Improvising with Puppets
Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv Cost: $100 REGISTER NOW
Advanced Courses
Our Advanced Courses are offered to those who have graduated from the Dallas Comedy House Training Center.
The Harold (7 weeks)
This course introduces students to the long form improvisation structure known as “The Harold,” developed by Del Close. Students will study group games and a variety of openings to generate content for a Harold piece. Students will apply the techniques taught through the improvisation program to perform full-length Harold shows.
Cost: $220 Pre-Requisite: DCH Graduate REGISTER NOW